Local Notes: Taekwon-Do, Tramore library, sympathies and SVP appeal
When Storm Kathleen visited Tramore. Photo: Joe Evans
The death has occurred of Deirdre Prendergast (née: McClean), formerly of Castle Road, Tramore and Clontarf, Dublin. Deirdre passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 16, in the exceptional care of the Mater Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of Stephen and cherished mother of Chloe and Stephanie, Deirdre was predeceased by her parents, Noel and Marie McClean. She will be deeply missed by her family, brothers Denis and Brian, sisters Noelle and Ciara, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, and many friends. Deirdre attended Star of the Sea Primary School and was part of the Class of ’76 at Ursuline Secondary School. She was a talented sportswoman, excelling in tennis and hockey to a high standard. Requiem Mass took place on Thursday, December 19, at St Anthony’s Church, Clontarf, followed by cremation at Glasnevin Crematorium.
Congratulations to Brian Power, David Brophy, and Gary Bourke who were promoted to Fifth degree black belt at their grading under Master Dunne 8th degree and Master Ambrose 8th degree. Special mention for Mr Brophy, who at 66 years old, is a veteran of the 1987 World Championships in Budapest. Huge Congratulations to Paula O'Gorman, 2024 winner of the prestigious Shane King memorial cup which was presented by Austin King Jnr.
On Monday, December 23, Tramore Library branch will close at 1pm (phones staffed until 3pm) and reopen on Monday, December 30, operating 10am to 5pm unless normally closed. On Tuesday, December 31, branches open from 10am to 1pm (phones staffed until 3pm). Libraries resume regular hours on Thursday, January 2. Online resources remain accessible throughout. My Open Library service is available in Dungarvan, Lismore, and Tramore for registered users. For details or to register, contact these libraries during staffed hours. Wishing you a happy holiday season.
On Christmas Eve, a Service of Holy Communion will be celebrated at 11.15pm, followed by another Service of Holy Communion on Christmas Day at 10pm. There will also be a Service of Holy Communion on St Stephen’s Day, Thursday, December 26, at 10.30am. All are welcome to join these festive services to celebrate the season.
A special thank you to all who attended the recent Tramore concert in The Holy Cross Church, where €4,016 was raised on the night for the WLR Christmas Appeal for SVP (Society of St Vincent de Paul Ireland). A special thanks to all the singers and schools who took part and the sponsors for the evening Haven Pharmacy (Kenny's) and Casia Flowers.
The death occurred recently of Patrick (Paddy) Downey, late of Seaview Park, Tramore, Co Waterford, and formerly of Cavan and Guildford, Surrey, England. Paddy passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 12, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Letitia, and his brothers Liam, Phil, and Sean. Paddy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his heartbroken wife, Evelyn; his children Lorraine, Declan, and Carol; his grandchildren Cian, Conor, Jack, Lauren, Rory, Gavin, Hugh, Abigail, Eve, and EJ; his sisters Teresa, Rosaleen, and Kathleen; his daughter-in-law Eimear, and sons-in-law Colm and Alan. He will also be fondly remembered by his extended family, relatives, neighbours, and many friends.
The Downey family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of University Hospital Waterford and The Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, for the exceptional care Paddy received throughout his illness. A lecturer in WRTC and WIT, and who was instrumental in the college’s success and development over the years, Paddy reposed at Falconer’s Funeral Home, Riverstown, Tramore, on Saturday, December 14. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Sunday, December 15, in The Church of the Holy Cross, Tramore, followed by burial in St Declan’s Cemetery, Riverstown, Tramore.
Tidy Towns have finished until the New Year, and on behalf of Tidy Towns we would like to wish everyone a peaceful and restful Christmas and New Year. Thanks to everyone who has supported us in any way throughout the year. All the sponsors and those that donated to us, we are so grateful. The Chairperson would like to thank all the volunteers and committee members as they are a fantastic group that make everything possible.
Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and a prosperous 2025. Remember, your presence can be the greatest gift to those who find the season lonely. To include items like births, birthdays, graduations, deaths, or marriages in these Tramore notes, drop them into the Waterford News & Star, Gladstone House, Gladstone Street, or email localnotes@waterford-news.com.
